About
I taught at Kennesaw State University for 16 years, where I guided actors and non-actors in the art of stage presence. I’m also a professor for The Great Courses, where I teach a 24-lecture recorded video series called “Mastering Stage Presence.” I coach individuals and speak to groups about presence and presentation techniques.
I work with executives, attorneys, data scientists, graduate students, actors, law enforcement, clergy—anyone who wants to engage others with greater ease and authenticity. I cover all aspects of presence: purpose, content, physical alignment, voice and speech, and stage fright.
As a director and adapter, I’ve guided more than thirty productions at the Off-Broadway, regional and collegiate levels. Publications include work for The Teaching Company, Teacher’s Discovery, The Great Courses Daily, SDC's Broadside Magazine, and Atlanta Parent. I hold an MFA in theatre direction from the University of Minnesota and a BA in English from the College of William and Mary. I'm also a 200-hour Certified Registered Yoga Teacher.
While I write and teach about stage presence, about telling your own authentic story, at the heart of my work is finding ways to be more present on all of life’s stages, every second of every day.
*CV available upon request
“Unlike other instructors, Prof. Long has what I would call a holistic approach to the subject. "Stage Presence" is not and should not be far removed from "Life Presence." Standing up straight, breathing correctly, speaking clearly and being relaxed are important traits that should not be reserved solely for the stage, everyone should master these vastly under appreciated life skills, regardless of motive. Having "Life Presence" is a reward in and of itself. Master "Life Presence" and one will find the heavy lifting of "Stage Presence" has already been done. A rather simple but powerful idea.”
- Andre SB, Massachusetts 2016